Anyone actually see this fight?
]]>SportsPrime Timehttp://www.lordsofpain.tv/showthread.php/4747-Caleb-Truax-vs-James-DeGaleThe Ashes 2017/18http://www.lordsofpain.tv/showthread.php/4682-The-Ashes-2017-18?goto=newpost
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 10:23:25 GMTThe oldest rivalry in sports is about to resume in just a couple of days at the Gabba, Brisbane. It's been an interesting build up to the tournament this time around, with neither Test side in the best nick. Ben Stokes is apparently still netting with the idea he might find out that his exclusion will be lifted by England at the last minute, but his off-field issues have hampered England's selection - as has the injury to his immediate replacement, Steven Finn. Then there's the problems with the top of England's batting order, something that really hasn't looked stable since Andrew Strauss retired and has been exacerbated by the loss of form for the Warwickshire pairing of Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott in more recent years.

Saying that, Australia haven't had it all their own way. Nathan Lyons' has fired an opening salvo at England but his attempts at sledging have been derided by his own supporters, who've accused him of talking far too much for a 'sling it and hope' bowler. Tim Paine has been flagged as not a nailed on choice at wicketkeeper (not even wearing the gloves for Tasmania on a regular basis) and as someone who is only playing because the other options since Brad Haddin have failed, something intriguing given that Haddin himself was seen a massive step-down from the imperious Adam Gilchrist.

Meanwhile, there are even some questions about the batting order of Australia, too. The recall of Shaun Marsh has caused more than a few raised eyebrows given that he's struggled to really assert himself at test level, while Cameron Bancroft, in fine form at the lower level, will have to develop into a test player quickly in the most intense crucible there is in test cricket. If those two both fail, then suddenly the pressure to deliver is amped up on the man that the statistics say is the world's best batsman. But Steve Smith won't have the luxury of just worrying about his own batting, as he needs to captain Australia to a series win.

Prediction time. I don't see an England win to be completely truthful. With our batting issues, with Broad off-form, and no Stokes, I think the fact that we're playing in Australian conditions will be enough to put them over the top. I'd back us in Britain, but I don't think we're good enough to go away and win more than one test - and I don't imagine there'll be many draws either. Our sole hope is if Anderson can bowl well in these conditions, as he did in 2010/11, and if the English spinners can exceed Lyon.

That's enough from me. Let's have your predictions for the ashes.
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